The registry office is a governmental entity situated at the municipal level, functioning as part of the local administration. Typically located in the town hall or one of its branches, the registry office is responsible for documenting and archiving changes in civil status, such as births, marriages, divorces, and deaths. These records are known as civil records. In Germany, first introduced by Napoleon at the beginning of the 19th century, registry offices were established nationwide after the formation of the German Reich in 1876, making them compulsory throughout the Reich. For records prior to this period, people who seek information about their ancestors are required to contact the local church archives.
Civil records are essential for family researchers tracing their German ancestry, offering a wealth of information about individuals and families. This article explores the history, content, accessibility, and public use of German civil records, providing valuable insights for genealogists.
Civil records, also known as civil registration records, began to be systematically kept in Germany in the late 19th century. The implementation of civil registration was part of a broader trend across Europe, aimed at standardizing record-keeping for legal and administrative purposes.
Napoleon I. of FranceNapoleonic Influence: The practice of civil registration in Germany can be traced back to the influence of Napoleon Bonaparte. During the early 19th century, Napoleon introduced the Civil Code (Code Napoléon) in the territories he conquered, including parts of Germany. This code mandated the recording of births, marriages, and deaths by civil authorities rather than religious institutions.[1][2]
Post-Napoleonic Period: After the fall of Napoleon, some German states retained the practice of civil registration. However, it was not until the formation of the German Empire in 1871 that civil registration became more uniformly implemented across the country. The areas on the left bank of the Rhine that were under Napoleon's influence began to keep civil registry records as early as 1810 or even earlier.
German Civil Code: The introduction of the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch) in 1900 further standardized civil registration practices throughout Germany, making it mandatory to record vital events.
Content of civil records
German civil records typically include detailed information about individuals and families, making them invaluable for genealogical research. The main types of civil records are:
Birth Records: These records usually contain the child’s name, date and place of birth, parents' names, and often the father's occupation. They may also include details about the child's baptism if it took place.[1][3][4]
Marriage Records: Marriage records provide information about the bride and groom, including their full names, ages, places of birth, occupations, and parents' names. They also note the date and place of the marriage.[5][4]
Death Records: These records include the deceased’s name, date and place of death, age at death, place of birth, occupation, and often details about surviving family members. [4]
Access to civil records
Access to German civil records is governed by privacy laws and regulations, which vary by federal state. Generally, access to more recent records is restricted to protect individuals' privacy.
Access regulations
Immediate Family Members: Direct descendants and close relatives often have the right to access civil records without significant restrictions.
Public Access: For non-family members or researchers, access is usually restricted until a certain period has elapsed to protect personal data.
Public Use of civil records
The length of time before civil records become publicly accessible varies depending on the type of record and the state. Generally, the following waiting periods apply:
Birth Records: Typically become publicly accessible 110 years after the birth.
Marriage Records: Usually become available to the public 80 years after the marriage.
Death Records: Generally accessible 30 years after the death.
Once these periods have elapsed, the records are transferred to state archives, where they can be accessed by the public for research purposes.
Research Tips
A young researcher, looking at civil records
For family researchers looking to access German civil records, here are some useful tips:
Start with Recent Ancestors: Begin your search with the most recent ancestors for whom you have information. Work backward through the generations using the available records.
Utilize Online Databases: Many German civil records have been digitized and are available through online databases and genealogical websites such as MyHeritage and local German archives.
Contact Local Archives: If you are unable to find records online, contact the local civil registration office (Standesamt) or state archives in the area where your ancestors lived.
Understand the Language: German civil records are typically written in German and often in old scripts such as Kurrent or Sütterlin. Familiarize yourself with these scripts or seek help from someone who can read them.
